Desk support



Ot. 7, 1941. W, BARGEN I' n2,258,5532' DESK SUPPORT Original Filed July 26, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet l 31a/u J/ T5757.- Wi'zzz'am BM? g uw DESK SUPPORT Original Filed July 26, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 7, '1941 DESK SUPPORT William J. Eargen, Waukegan, Ill.

Original application July 26, 1939, Serial No. 286,699. Divided and this application March 13, 1940, Serial No. 323,799

8 Claims.

This invention relates to desk structures and is a division of my copending application, Serial No. 286,699, filed July 26, 1939, for Oifset pedestal desk.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved desk including a book holding compartment and a means for supporting the desk and the compartment from the seat.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved desk support which is secured at its lower portion to one side of a seat and at its upper portion to the desk and which includes meam whereby the desk or top including the book support may be vertically adjusted relative to the seat.

A further object of this invention is to provide a support of this kind which is so constructed that vertical adjustment of the desk relative to the seat will simultaneously shift the desk or top including the book compartment forwardly or rearwardly with respect to the seat.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a combined desk support and book compartment which is carried by the desk support and is adjustable relative to the seat with the adjustment of the support,

A further object of this invention is to provide in a desk, a top supporting standard which is positioned at one side of the seat and is vertically adjustable through the medium of adjustable interengaging or locking elements which are automatically locked together in their adjusted position by the offset weight of the desk with respect to the support.

A further object of this invention is to provide a vertically adjustable desk and support therefor wherein the adjusting means will support the desk in its adjusted position irrespective of the 'condition of the locking or holding means for the adjusting means.

A further object of this invention is to provide a means whereby the desk element may be adjusted relative to the seat so that the desk may be angularly adjusted with respect to the seat irrespective of the angular relation of the seat relative to the floor.

A further object of this invention is to provide an adjusting means for the desk relative to the seat wherein the adjusting and supporting means is at one side lof the desk and seat so as to permit free entrance to the seat from one side thereof.

A further ob-ject of this invention is to provide a desk having readily removable supporting devices which if broken may be easily replaced without making it necessary to replace the entire desk and seat structure.

A further object of this invention is to provide a desk structure wherein the top including the book compartment where such is used may be rocked upwardly by pressure from below without affecting the adjustment, as where a student forces the top upwardly with his knees, thus forming a shock absorbing feature in the desk to relieve the remaining structure of undue strain.

A further object of this invention is to provide in a desk structure means for detachably supporting the top from the seat so that when the desks are not in use, they may readily be removed from the seat and stacked or stored one upon the other with the base of a superposed desk engaging the top of a lower desk, thus permitting unused desks to be placed yout of the way.

Embodying the objects aforesaid and others which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be more specifically referred to and shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein is illustrated embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications may be resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a vertical section of a desk top including a book compartment and a support therefor which is mounted on a seat, the seat being shown in side elevation and broken away.

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary side elevation of one of the desk supporting members.

Figure 4 is a sectional View taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a top plan partly broken away and in section of a modified form of desk supporting structure embodying a non-adjustable stem showing the adaptation thereof with respect to a desk top, illustrated in dotted lines and broken away.

Figure 6 is a detail front elevation partly broken away of the structure shown in Figure 5'.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a detail side elevation of still another modied form of desk supporting element.

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken o n the line 9 9 of Figure 2,

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken on the line I-I of Figure 1.

Figure 1l is a fragmentary sectional view through one of the end walls of the desk, and Figure 12 is a bottom plan view of the supporting bracket.

Referring to the drawingsl the numeral l5 designates generally a seat structure which is supported from'a base similar to that embodied in my copending application, Serial No. 285,699. The side edges of the seat are reinforced by oppositely disposed angle-shaped members E522 only one shown, which are secured in position by the holdfast means leb. A desk or top supporting member generally designated as I is secured to the seat I5 at one side thereof. 'The supporting member or bracket l comprises a -lower upwardly and forwardly inclined fixed member il and an upper movable and adjustable member I8. The lower member il is provided in an outer side wall I9 thereof with a gear rack 2u extending upwardly from the lower portion thereof and preferably the outer side wall l is provided with an inturned lower end portion 2l forming a stop to limit the downward movement of the adjustable member I3.

A substantially horizontally disposed plate E2 is formed integral with the lower tubular supporting member il and is adapted to engage beneath the seat I5 as shown-in Figure 2, being xed to the seat I5`by one or more fastening devices 23. The plate 22 (Figures 2 and ill) is disposed substantialy at right anges to the inner side wall 24 of the lower supporting member Il Y and arranged transversely with respect to the"1 lower face of the seat I5.

A bracing web 25 is formed integral with the rear side 2B of the lower member il and an upwardly projecting flange or plate 2l' is formed integral with the web 25 projects beneath and is disposed lengthwise with respect to the seat l as shown in Figures 9 and l0, being secured to the seat l5 by at least one fastening member 23a. The flange 2l' is disposed at right angles to the flange or plate 22, forming` with the flange 22 a right angle or said plates 22 and 2 correlate to provide what may be termed an L-shaped member which engages beneath the seat l5. Preferably the flange or plate 22 is provided with a pair of downwardly extending bracing flanges 8 and 29, more clearly shown in Figure 9. The upper face of the flange or plate 22 is arranged above the upper face of the flange or plate 2l (Figure 9). An offset combined clamping and bracing member (Figure 2) in the, form of an angle bar 3b is adapted to engage between the flanges 28 and 29 on the underside of 'the plate 22, extending transversely across the underside of the seat i5 as shown in Figure 2. One of the fastener members 23 secures the bar 3i) against the lower face of the plate 22.

The movable bracket member i8 is formed with a rear wall 3l and a front wall 32, having a vertically disposed slot 33 extending longitudinally thereof and opening through the lower end of. An outer side wall the front side 32, Figure 3. 34 and an inner side wall 35 connect the rear and front sides 3l and 32, respectively, together. The outer side fa-ce Vof the outer side wall 3d of member l is provided adjacent the lower end thereof with a pair of `teeth 3S which are adapted to selectively engage the teeth 2li of a stationary rack formed on the inner face of the wall le of the stationary member El. A setv screw 3l is carried by the upper end portion of the lower member' il, being threaded through the inner wall 2t of accesso the lower member I? and is adapted to engage against the wall of the member 3 so as to bind the upper member i8 relative to the lower member il after the adjustment of the member iS. The set screw 3l' also provides a means whereby in case of serious schoolroom abuse in excess of normal in which there is a noticeable deflection of the seat or top, the relative position of the movable stem or upper member i8 under the top and the lower member l can be readily corrected, In front elevation the bracket or support I6 extends vertically from the seat I while in side elevation the br cket or supporting mem.- ber E6 is inclined to the vertical being inclined upwardly and forwardly. The wall 3d has its lower portion inset as at 3de and on the lower end of this inset portion is arranged the teeth 3G. The member i8 is open at its bottom. The wall 2d of the member il has its upper portion 2d@- inset and has a threaded opening 2Gb with which the set screw 3l threadably engages. The supporting member or bracket i6 may be termed a supporting post, as well as elements ita, lh to be referred to.

The movable member i8 is adapted to be clamped in its vertically adjusted position relative to the lower stationary member ll by means of a clamping block "3B which is substantially T-shaped in transverse section and is formed of a body portion and stem portion. The body portion is arranged within the member IS and the stem portion engages in the slot l 3. A pair of clamping bolts extend through the front wall GS of the lower member Il and are threaded into the body part and stem of the clamping block 38.

The book box or article supporting member il is similar to the structure embodied in my Patent No. 2,165,125 which issued July 4, 1939 and it comprises a substantially corrugated bottom wall a front wall a rear wall 6L?, a side wall 45 and a side wall Preferably the front wall 33 is arcuate in transverse section and inclined upwardly and rearwardly from the front edge of the bottom wall t2. The side wall i5 is forme integrally with the upper end of the adjustable bracket member i3 and such end is formed with a pair of oppositely disposed flanges dfi, 66a. The flange it engages beneath the bottom wall t2, and the flange flea abuts the rear wall d. The front wall d3 at its upper end is provided with a reverted upper edge il forming a reinforcing upper edge for the front wall The flanges 56, fida are disposed at an oblique angle with respect to each other. The side wall 5 on the inner side thereof is provided adjacent the forward end with an inwardly projecting lug :i3 upon which the reverted por ion lll' engages and a fastening member #it tightly holds the reverted portion lll on the lug de. This reverted portion il forms a relatively short top wall for the bock member I extending rearwardly from the front wall 43 so as to prevent the positioning of books within the holder di to a height beyond the top wall or reverted portion fill'. This lip or reverted portion (il also provides a means to eliminate torsional strain or weave on the hinge for the top 5&3 and also on the lugs i8 and 5I. The lug di is carried by the side wall 52 which is opposite from the side wall t5. This torsional strain or weave occurs by reason of the fact that one hinge arm 53 may be under greater frictional strain than the other hinge arm, after the desk has been used for some time. A. top forming a desk member 5f) is adapted to engage the free end of the book compartment or holder #il and is constructed in aasasea the form of a flat board. 'The top 58 is hingedly secured to the compartment or book holder 4I by means of a pair of L-shaped arms 53 having one leg 54 thereof provided with a base bar 55 which is adapted to be secured by fastening members 55 to the underside of the desk member 58. The other leg 51 of a hinged arm 53 is p-ivotally mounted on a pivot 58 which is carried by one of the side walls of the holder 4I and the arm 51 is frictionally held against swinging movement by friction devices as more specifically set forth in my copending application filed of even date herewith. I

A bumper .i9 is secured to the" front edge of the desk or top as Shown in Figure 1 and comprises a metal bar 80 which is enclosed in a rubber covering 8l. The bar E8 is provided with a plurality of inwardly projecting flanges E2 which are fastened by fastening devices 83 to the underside of the top 50.

In Figure 8 there is disclosed a modified form of upper bracket or top supporting member which `comprises a stem or movable support I8a which is similar to the support I8, being provided with a pair of teeth 38a for engagement with teeth 28 in a lower supporting member similar to the support I1. The stem or supporting arm |811 has formed integral with the upper end thereof a supporting bar 84 which is adapted to engage beneath the top and the supporting member 8e has secured thereto a right angularly disposed top supporting bar similar to that shown in Figures 5 and 6. The structure shown in Figure 8 is adapted to be substituted for the book compartment 4I and the desk top 58 together with the stem 3l shown in Figure 1. The stem I8a is adapted to engage in the lower tubular support I1 of Figure 1 and to be locked in adjusted position by the clamping and locking means shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4.

In Figures 5, 6 and 7, there is disclosed a further modication of this invention which includes a lower supporting member I1b and an upper supporting member I8o which is integral with the lower supporting member |11. The upper supporting member I8b has formed integral therewith a top supporting bar or plate 54a and a right angularly disposed supporting bar 65 is formed integral with the upper end of the upper supporting member I8I and extends laterally from the supporting member 68a. An angle bar G8 is secured adjacent one end thereof by fastening devices 68 to the supporting bar 85. The fastening devices 88 engage through one side 81 of the angle member 66 and the upper side 68 of the angle member 65 is adapted to be secured as by fastening devices 18 to the underside of a top member 58a, Figure 5. An inwardly projecting supporting member or base 22a is formed integral with the lower end of the support I1b and this base or supporting member 22a is constructed similar to the plate 22 including the two flanges 28 and 28 together with the right angle plate 21 as is shown in Figures 2, 9 and 10.

In the use and operation of this desk and supporting structure, the supporting bracket I6 is adapted to be secured by the fastening devices 28 to the seat I5 at one side thereof. Preferably the supporting bracket I8 is secured to the right hand edge or side of the seat I5. The telescoping and vertically adjustable member I8 is adapted to be adjusted relative to the lower stationary member I1 by initially loosening the clamping block 88, then the set screw 31 is adjusted outwardly so as to permit rocking of the adjustable member I8 relative to the stationary member l1. The movable member I8 may then be either raised or lowered by disengaging the teeth 36 of the movable member I8 with selected teeth of the rack 20 and then either raising or lowering the movable member I8. When the movable member I8 has been vertically adjusted, the bolts 39 are tightened so as to tighten the clamping bar 38. In the event the top 58 is not substantially horizontal or is not substantially parallel with the seat I5, the set screw 31 may be adjusted either inwardly or outwardly before the clamping member 38 is tightened by the bolts 39.

With a structure of this kind the offset weight of the top 58 and the book holder 4I will hold the teeth 35 in engagement with the selected teeth 20 of the lower member I1 irrespective of whether the clamping member 38 is loose or tight. In the event it is desired to use a top or desk without a book compartment the structure shown in Figure 8 may be substituted for the adjustable member I8 shown in Figure 1. Where the structure shown in Figure 8 is used, the additional supporting bar structure shown at 65 and 66 in Figures 5, 6 and 1 may also be used so as to support the top from the upper end of the adjustable member Ia.

Where it is desired to use a desk or top structure without having a vertically adjustable top, the structure shown in Figures 5 to '1, inclusive, may be substituted for the structure shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Where a book compartment and desk is not desired, the structure shown in Figure 8 may be substituted therefor, it being only necessary to remove the upper part I8 from the lower support I1 and insert the part Ia in the support I1.

Due to the inclination of the bracket or support I6 which is forwardly and upwardly when the movable member I8 is raised so as to permit additional space between the top 58 and the seat I5, the rear edge of the top 50 will simultaneously be moved forwardly thus permitting additional body room between the rear edge of the top 58 and the back of the seat. With a construction of this kind, the top 58 can be readily adjusted to accommodate students of diiferent physical characteristics so that a desk of this type may be used if necessary through the school period of a student, thus making it unnecessary to purchase or have on hand chairs or desks of different sizesv The top 5D is provided on its underside with cushioning members 1I in the form of buttons which are adapted to engage the upper edge of the side walls 45 and 52.

The desk and seat hereinbefore described will not only provide a proper seat for the student, but will also promote good posture. This structure will also permit the use of a maximum number of desks in a minimum of space, which is a very essential factor in schools, auditoriums and the like having only a limited amount of space available. The maximum number of students can, therefore, be accommodated in a limited space and when this space is desired for other than classroom purposes, the desks can be stacked one upon the other.

Furthermore, where the funds available for the purchase of the desks will not permit the purchase of the desks with the book compartments, the structure shown in Figures 5 to 7 or Figure 8 may be used. By making the several parts of the desk interchangeable, broken or worn parts `may easily be replaced at small expense or the more expensive book compartment structure may ,be substituted for the initially purchased desk which includes the structure shown in Figure 8.

The seat, back and base structure embodied in .my copending application, supra, can be used as a foundation, and any desired top structure can be mounted thereon depending on the needs of the students or the funds available for purchase of thel top structure.

What I claim is:

1. In a desk including a seat and a top, means supporting said top relative to the seat comprising an inner and an outer tubular member disposed in telescopic relation, said outer member being stationary, said inner member being lengthwise shiftable relative to the outer member, means for securing the lower end of the outer member to said seat, means for securing the upper end of the inner member to one side of said top, interengageable teeth within said supportingmeans being arranged on opposed faces of said members for sustaining the inner member in adjusted position, said inner member being slotted, and clamping means including parts arranged in said -inner member and slot and parts arranged in said outer member and threadably engaging with the said other parts for clamping other opposed faces of said members together for securing said inner member in adjusted position lrelative to said outer member.

2. n a desk including a seat and a top, means supporting said top relative to the seat comprising an inner and an outer tubular member disposed in telescopic relation, said outer member being stationary, said inner member being lengthwise shiftable relative to the outer member, means for securing the lower end of the outer member to said seat, means for securing the upper end of the inner member to one side of said top, interengageable teeth within said supporting means being arranged on opposed faces of said members for sustaining the inner member in adjusted position, said inner member being slotted, clamping means including parts arranged in said inner member and slot and parts arranged in said outer member and threadably engaging with the said other parts for clamping other opposed faces of said members together for securing said inner member in adjusted position relative to said outer member, and adjustable .means threadably engagin T with said outer member forabutting the inner member to thereby adjust the angular relation of said inner member relative to said outer member.

3. In a desk including a seat and a top, means supporting said top relative to the seat comprising an inner and an outer tubular member disposed in telescopic relation, said outer member being stationary, said inner member being lengthwise shiitable relative to the outer member, means for securing the lower end of the outer member to said seat, means for securing the upper end of the inner member to one side of said top, interengageable teeth within said supporting means being arranged on opposed faces of said members for sustaining the inner member in adjusted position, said inner member being slotted, and clamping means including .parts arranged in said inner member and slot and parts arranged in said outer member and threadably engaging with the said other parts for clamping other opposed faces of said members together for securing said inner member in adjusted position relative to said outer member, said inner member having one of its walls inset and provided with the teeth for interengagement with the teeth on the outer member.

Li. In a desk including a seat and a top, means supporting said top relative to the seat comprising an inner and an outer tubular member disposed in telescopic relation, said outer member being stationary, said inner member being lengthwise shiftable relative to the outer member, means for securing the lower end of the outer member to said seat, means for securing the upper end of the inner member to one side of said top, interengageable teeth within said supporting means being arranged on opposed faces of said members for sustaining the inner member in adjusted position, said inner member being slotted, clamping means including parts arranged in said inner member and slot and parts arranged in said outer member and threadably engaging with the said other parts for clamping other opposed faces of said members together for securing said inner member in adjusted position relative to said outer member, and adjustable means threadably engaging with said outer member for abutting the inner member to thereby adjust the angular relation of said inner member relative to said outer member, said outer member having an inset portion provided with a threaded opening for the said angular adjusting means carreid by such member.

5. In a desk including a seat and a top, means supporting said top relative to the seat comprising an inner and an outer tubular member disposed in telescopic relation, said outer member being stationary, said inner member being lengthwise shiftable relative to the outer member,

'means for securing the lower end of the outer member to said seat, means for securing the upper end of the inner member to said top, said inner member having ,an inset part opposing in spaced relation a part of the outer member, said parts being provided with interengageable teeth for sustaining the inner member in adjusted position, clamping means arranged in said members for clamping opposed faces of said members together for securing said inner member in adjusted position relative to said outer member, said outer member having an inset upper portion, and adjustable means carried by said inset upper portion and engaging the inner member to thereby adjust said inner member in angular relation with respect to said outer member.

6. In a desk including a seat and a top, a lengthwise adjustable supporting post interposed between said seat and top formed of an inner and an outer section disposed in telescopic relation, said outer member including at its lower end a pair of inwardly extending plates disposed below the seat and arranged at right angles to each other, one of said plates disposed transversely and the other lengthwise with respect to the seat, means for securing one of said plates to the seat, the other of said plates being formed with a pair of spaced depending flanges, an angie-shaped bar arranged between said flanges, means for securing said angle bar, said other plate and said seat together, said inner member being formed with a pair of parts at its upper end disposed at an oblique angle with respect to each other and secured to said top, and means for securing said post in lengthwise adjusted position.

7. In a desk including a seat and a top, a supporting post vertical in front elevation and inclined to the vertical in side elevation, said post being disposed between the seat and top for supporting the latter relative to the seat, said post having means at its upper end for securing it to said top, said post being formed at its lower end with a pair of right angularly disposed plates arranged below the seat and one extending transversely with respect to the seat and lthe other lengthwise with respect to the seat, means for securing that plate extending lengthwise of the seat to the latter, that plate extending transversely of the seat being formed with a pair of depending flanges, an angle bar arranged between said flanges, and means for securing said angle bar to that plate extending transversely of the seat and such plate and the seat together. 8. In a desk including a. seat and a top, a post disposed between the seat and the top for supporting the latter, said post formed at its lower end with a rearwardly extending web, an inwardly extending plate at the lower portion of the post arranged below and disposed transversely with respect to the seat, an inwardly extending plate integral with the web arranged below and extending lengthwise of the seat, a pair of flanges depending from that plate disposed in transverse relation with respect to the seat, an angle bar extending between said flanges, means for securing that plate disposed in lengthwise relation with respect to the seat to the latter, and means for securing said angle bar to the plate extending transversely of the seat and such plate and the seat together.

Y WILLIAM J. BARGEN. 

